8 Ideas To Dip Your Toes In the Creative Waters
Creativity comes in many different forms. As creative individuals, we often forget to take the time to appreciate and explore our creative potential. I invite you to dedicate just 10 minutes each day to tap into your creative flow. Consider trying out these 8 ideas and see if you discover something truly magical.
DOODLE
Grab a pencil, pen, marker, crayon, paper, and doodle. I often scribble, doodle, and draw while listening to lectures or in meetings to keep my mind engaged. I'll doodle on any surface, including art journals, writing journals, crossword puzzles, and meeting agendas. Experience the zen, peace, and relaxation accompanying this simple creative activity.
COLOR
Whether you are coloring in children's or adult coloring books, you can experience the simple joy of coloring. Use any art media you have, but I highly suggest adding gel pens. Whether you follow a pattern or color randomly, the possibilities are endless. Relax and let go as you explore the sensation of adding color, pattern, and spontaneity as you color.
JOURNAL
I have been keeping a journal for most of my life, starting from a young age. There are no rules other than allowing your words, doodles, drawings, thoughts, and anything that needs expressing to flow onto the page. You don't have to share it. It is your safe place to let go. The surprising benefit is how it helps you shift into more creative spaces in your mind, body, and heart. All you need is a notebook and a pen.
PAINT
There are so many ways to paint - how do I count the ways? Paint anything. Walls, furniture, canvas, paper, wood - you get the picture. Paint with anything you have and explore all the possibilities. Once you start painting, you won’t want to stop. It just feels so good to play with paint.
COLLAGE
Sit down and cut pictures from magazines. Use whatever you have around the house - tissue paper, ribbon, newspapers, and even old books. Using glue or any other medium, create pictures with your cuttings. This is a relaxing activity that allows you to be creative without even realizing it, and the benefits are numerous.
GARDEN
Nothing is more satisfying than plunging your hands into the soil and creating beauty with plants and flowers. Feeding, nurturing, and pruning in your garden are all creative acts of kindness for yourself. Take in the energy of the plants around you, and create flower arrangements from your garden. Any interaction with nature fosters creativity.
MUSIC
Music has the power to soothe the soul and brighten the heart. Simply listening to music can open up your creative channels. Whether you pick up a drum, blow on a harmonica, strum a guitar, or play the keys of a piano, engaging with music can be a fulfilling experience. Sing along to your favorite tunes and let the music transport you wherever your spirit desires. Consider taking lessons if you feel a strong pull towards a specific instrument.
COOK
You might be surprised at how creative cooking can be! My husband calls me the jazz cook because I can whip up a meal with any ingredients we have in the house. My daughter is the same. We don’t measure; we let our senses and intuition guide us. When you approach the kitchen in this way, it is a highly creative and loving act. Experiment with spices, mix different ingredients, try new recipes, or make up your own recipes. Just have fun in the kitchen!
